A WOMAN woke to 'the sounds of an explosion' after an arson incident at her Rose Hill home, police have said.

Thames Valley Police are now appealing for witnesses after the incident at a house in Ashhurst Way, Rose Hill, on Thursday.

They said a fire was started between 8am and 8.50am after an unidentified offender leant into a downstairs open window and set the drawn curtains on fire.

A 42-year old female occupant, who was asleep at the time, woke 'to the sound of an explosion'.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Anneliese Palfrey, of Banbury Force CID, said: “This is a very serious incident which endangered the life of the person who was inside the property at the time of the fire.

“The offender may have been seen around the area at that time and the curtains hanging in the open window, which the suspect set alight, would have been visible from the road.

“If you think you saw anything, no matter how inconsequential you feel it may be, please tell the police.

“If you saw someone acting suspiciously in this area around that time, we would also like to hear from you.”

The woman was not injured and the fire was extinguished before severe damage could be caused, police added.

Anybody with information should contact 101 quoting reference '43180187821', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.